Alex Gordon (police agent) facts for kids

Alex Gordon was a secret agent who worked for the British government during World War I. He was hired in 1916 by a special department called P.M.S.2., which was linked to MI5 (Britain's security service). His job was to secretly join groups that were against the war and supported workers' rights. These groups were becoming very strong, especially after the government started forcing young men to join the army, a process known as conscription.

What Was Alex Gordon's First Mission?

Alex Gordon's first secret assignment was to go undercover in a group called the Industrial Workers of the World. This group was known for supporting workers and sometimes for being against the war. Gordon's role was to gather information about their activities.

Why Was Alex Gordon Controversial?

After some time, Alex Gordon became part of a public controversy. There was a court case involving a woman named Alice Wheeldon. During this trial, people learned that Gordon had been involved in the case, but he was not allowed to speak in court as a witness. This made many people question his role and actions.

Public Questions About Gordon's Identity

A well-known newspaper at the time, The Nation, started asking tough questions about Alex Gordon. They wanted to know who had hired him and who he really was. The newspaper called the situation a "most repellent incident," showing how upset people were about how Gordon had been used.

A Member of Parliament Demands Answers

The questions about Alex Gordon even reached the British Parliament. William Anderson, who was a Member of Parliament (MP), kept asking the government about Gordon's work. He wanted to know if Gordon would ever be hired by the government again. This shows how serious the concerns were about secret agents and their actions during the war.